2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, or 40 ASE, was a nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. Based on the SR5 trim, it added a unique flair with bronze 17-inch wheels and badges, along with a numbered plaque on the dashboard. Available in black, white, or red paint, the 40 ASE featured a black artificial leather interior. The 4Runner lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $51,050 to $66,220, plus a $1,930 destination charge. The 40 ASE test vehicle had an MSRP of $54,380. The 4Runner's design was reminiscent of truck-based SUVs from the past, offering a solid and quality feel with easy-to-use controls, even with gloves on.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received styling updates similar to the three-row Atlas, featuring new lighting elements and illuminated VW logos. The front and rear lighting enhancements gave it a modern look, while the lower roofline provided a silhouette akin to German luxury crossover coupes. The Cross Sport was 13 centimetres shorter than the standard Atlas and sat lower. New wheel designs were introduced across trim levels, with options for 18-inch to 21-inch wheels. The interior revisions included a raised centre console and a new electronic shifter, offering more storage space. The cabin featured standard leatherette upholstery, with higher trims offering leather and quilted leather options.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. Two 4WD systems were available: a part-time system and a full-time system on the Limited trim. The fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres, with the 40 ASE averaging 13.9 L/100 km. The 4Runner boasted 24.4 centimetres of ground clearance and various off-roading technologies, including a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. Despite its off-road prowess, the 4Runner's on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive in Canada, it offered improved performance over the previous VR6 engine. The new engine provided more torque at lower rpm, enhancing acceleration. The Cross Sport maintained a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. However, the driving experience was less engaging, with a lack of excitement and mediocre ride quality, partly due to the 21-inch wheels on the test vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The interior featured comfortable seats, with the 40 ASE using SofTex artificial leather. Dual-zone climate control and numerous storage locations were available, though some lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating was spacious, with good legroom and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was optional but compromised cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space, with additional storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet in the cargo area.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came with more standard equipment, including heated side mirrors, a power liftgate, and ventilated front seats. The roofline affected rear-seat headroom, but legroom was competitive. The Cross Sport provided 1,141 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 2,197 litres with them folded. The cabin was functional, with ample storage space in the centre console and door pockets. The new centre console design allowed for better organization, and the door pockets could hold multiple drink bottles.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Upgrades were available, such as a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, and the voice recognition performed well, though it couldn't adjust cabin temperature due to manual controls.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The user experience was intuitive, but the haptic touchpads for controls were less user-friendly than traditional buttons. Six USB-C ports were standard, and the Execline trim included a head-up display and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The adaptive cruise control provided smooth braking, but the lane-departure warning was intrusive. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with lower ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance. IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with high scores in side-impact crash testing. IIHS ratings for the 2024 model were not available, but the 2023 model received Good scores in most tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Execline trim added park assist and a surround-view camera system. All models featured post-collision braking and an emergency assist feature.